30 November, 2015

The Hamptons, situated north of New York is where
the wealthy escape to the beach for summer. Hamptons style is defined by
casual, relaxed beach living but done in a classic and very sophisticated way.
The look is bright and breezy, plenty of natural daylight with discreet window
treatments to really let the light pour in.

To get this look even on a budget here
are some of my tips:

walls

Interior walls are often plain white with just a hint of softness to
them – try Dulux Antique White USA. Wall panelling is also very Hamptons
chic, even in bathrooms. Buy wooden panelling such as tongue and groove
pine lining from your local hardware store. I find that by adding subtle panelled detailing to an
otherwise plain room gives it so much more style and interest. Paint as
you would your doors and skirting boards, I like to use a half strength of the wall colour but in a semi gloss enamel.

Painted timber wall panelling

floors

Timber floors
throughout are all part of the look, either in a very
dark chocolate brown or pale and bleached. For dark, try sanding and
staining ordinary boards in the richest, chocolatey colour you can find
such as Wenge. For light flooring, try Porters
Wood-Wash in white and finish with a low sheen clear varnish. Add
natural rugs such as sisal or jute or light coloured carpets for
softness under foot.

Use sisal rugs to add warmth to timber floors

furniture

Linen upholstery is my favourite and a popular Hamptons pick, it
always looks great. Slip-covers in pure linen or else white cotton
drill are easy on the eye and cool on hot summer days. Accesorising is
easy with soft scatter cushions. Wicker or cane furniture is popular too but don't overdo it.
Remember the key to this look is high end and sophisticated, not
beachy, shabby chic. Look out for smart occasional tables in op-shops and perhaps a nice
chair to which you can add a coat of new paint and a cushion.

Hamptons style is elegant yet relaxed

lighting

A variety of lamps adds subtle ambience to a room. Look for medium
to tall sized bases in ceramic or wood and choose shades in natural
fabrics such as linen, cotton or silk. For overhead lighting consider
pendant lighting over tables and island benches as well as to illuminate
key areas of your home.

This carriage lantern adds character o the dining area

old with new

Keep this look fresh and interesting by
mixing old with new. Go
antique shopping for a few rustic items like old timber dining chairs and pair
them with a new table. Retro kitchen canisters, old shop signs
and bottles add charm and fun while contemporary art, lamps and
furniture pieces keep things very fresh and up-to-date. Don’t forget to
include a few natural items such as driftwood and shells and display
them in glass jars and ceramic dishes throughout the house.

28 November, 2015

This year's hottest trend is still Scandi design ~
so why not have some fun and get 'on trend' with a little Scandinavian chic.
The Scandi trend is based on a dominate white palette,
mixed back with grey and neutrals.
Add some timber in blonde and honey tones,
layer up textures to create a warm, inviting atmosphere
then bathe the space in natural light.
Finally, throw in some sheepskin rugs, faux fur throws and cushions,
even a reindeer skin to cosy things up.

27 November, 2015

Feel like you are on vacation all the time by decorating your house with a tropical theme.

Carmen Miranda knew a thing or two about island style!
Think vivid green, bright colours, exotic fruit and tropical flowers.
To create this look at home ~ mix and match bold patterns,
cane, bamboo and lush indoor plants.
Potted palms will help bring the outside in and will create an indoor oasis.
Add some statement furniture pieces
like a swinging chair, a day bed
or something exotic from Asia or the Caribbean.
Decorate coffee tables and bookshelves
with coral, beautiful travel books and shells for a touch of the Bahamas!